Harmanpreet helps India mark Independence Day with 3-1 win over Wales

Harmanpreet Singh's India began their Hockey World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over Wales on Independence Day. Harmanpreet Singh's brace helped India secure a strong start in their campaign.Harmanpreet Singh's brace helped India beat Wales 3-0. Courtesy: PTIIndia could hardly have asked for a better way to celebrate Independence Day. Harmanpreet Singh’s men began their Hockey World Cup campaign in style, beating Wales 3-1 in their opening Group D match in Amstelveen on Saturday, August 15.India did not have everything their own way at the start, with Wales enjoying possession and creating the first clear opportunity. But once India settled into the contest, they began to find openings and made their penalty corners count.India vs Wales, Hockey World Cup HighlightsSanjay broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with a powerful drag-flick, giving India the perfect boost. Three minutes later, captain Harmanpreet stepped up and doubled India’s advantage with another penalty-corner conversion. His low effort towards the goalkeeper’s left gave India a 2-0 lead and put Wales under considerable pressure. India ended the opening quarter in command, turning a slow start into a dominant spell and giving themselves the perfect platform to begin their World Cup campaign with a statement win.HARMANPREET LEADS INDIA’S CHARGEWales tried to fight their way back into the contest but struggled to consistently trouble India’s defence. Pritchard came agonisingly close in the second quarter when he got around the advancing goalkeeper, only to see his effort hit the post. India, meanwhile, remained disciplined, sitting back at times and looking to win possession before launching quick attacks. India continued to threaten after the interval and eventually extended their lead in the 43rd minute. Another penalty corner presented Harmanpreet with the opportunity, and the captain made no mistake, unleashing a low and powerful drag-flick into the net for his second goal of the match.The three-goal cushion allowed India to control the closing stages, although Wales continued to search for a way back. They finally pulled one goal back through Sam Welsh in the 56th minute after a penalty-stroke decision following a review. However, the goal came too late to change the outcome.India could have added more, having created several opportunities from cut-backs and attacking moves, but their overall performance was enough to secure a deserved victory. The result gives Harmanpreet and Co. valuable momentum ahead of their next Group D fixture against England on Monday, before the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan.- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Aug 15, 2026 18:49 IST